New study suggests human intelligence may have evolved alongside genes linked to autism and schizophrenia

Human neocortical neurons, particularly those linked to language and abstract thought, evolved rapidly compared to other mammals changes that may also influence susceptibility to autism and schizophrenia. (Zhang et al., 2025)

A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution (2025) by researchers at Stanford University examined RNA from brain cells across six mammalian species, including humans and chimpanzees .

The researchers found that neurons in the human neocortex, particularly those involved in language, reasoning, and abstract thought, evolved more rapidly than in other species. Many of these neurons express genes previously associated with autism and schizophrenia .

The study suggests that the same genetic changes that contributed to advanced human cognitive abilities may also increase susceptibility to certain neurodevelopmental conditions.

Reference:
Zhang, Q. et al Rapid evolution of human neocortical neurons associated with autism and schizophrenia genes. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 42(9), https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf189